New Plymouth Airport Conducts Survey to Explore New Flight Routes

New Plymouth Airport is launching a survey aimed at assessing passenger demand for additional domestic flight routes. Over the next six weeks, departing travelers will be asked to participate in a 16-question survey designed to gather insights into their travel habits, preferences, and overall satisfaction with airport facilities. The initiative reflects a proactive approach to understanding passenger needs and improving service offerings.

Gathering Current Data for Future Planning

According to David Scott, the airport’s chief executive, much of the information previously collected was outdated or based on anecdotal evidence. “This survey closes that gap and gives us robust, current information to support discussions with airlines, council, and other stakeholders,” Scott stated. The survey aims to enhance discussions on potential new routes and better align services with passenger demand.

Currently, Air New Zealand operates daily flights from New Plymouth to three destinations: Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. There have been attempts by regional airlines to introduce services to Nelson and Hamilton, but these routes have not proven to be sustainable. Early feedback from passengers has suggested a need for improved connectivity to Christchurch and more frequent flights to Wellington for day-return business travel.

Scott mentioned that the potential for niche and seasonal routes exists, provided they are financially viable. Recently, Air New Zealand reduced capacity on the New Plymouth-Christchurch route, cutting three weekly flights and changing to midday schedules due to decreased demand and aircraft maintenance issues. Seasonal routes have already been a part of Air New Zealand’s strategy, with increased flights to popular summer destinations like Bay of Plenty and Queenstown.

Understanding Passenger Demographics

In addition to exploring new destinations, the survey seeks to construct a detailed profile of the airport’s users. “This includes where passengers start their journey, how long they stay away, the purpose of travel, satisfaction with the airport, and what they would like to see improved,” Scott explained. By surveying all departing passengers, the airport aims for a representative sample to avoid skewed results and to identify varying needs across different passenger segments.

The results of the survey are expected to be compiled by the end of January 2024. This data will play a critical role in guiding discussions about airport development, commercial planning, pricing, and future infrastructure investments. Scott emphasized the importance of solid demand data in strengthening conversations with potential airline partners and stakeholders.

New Plymouth Airport has a history of hosting airlines that offer routes beyond the main centers. For instance, Origin Pacific Airways once flew to Nelson before ceasing operations in 2006. Following that, Originair resumed flights to Nelson in 2017, while regional airline Sunair had services to Hamilton in 2013, both of which were eventually discontinued. Additionally, Jetstar previously operated flights from New Plymouth to Auckland but withdrew their service in early 2020 due to insufficient demand.

As New Plymouth Airport seeks to enhance its offerings, the upcoming survey marks a significant step in aligning its services with the evolving needs of its passenger base. The insights gathered will not only inform current operational strategies but also lay the groundwork for future enhancements to the airport’s connectivity and overall passenger experience.